What are the liftgate weight and size limits?
How much a liftgate can lift, the platform size, and when you need one.
What are the liftgate weight and size limits?
A liftgate is the hydraulic platform on the back of the truck that raises and lowers freight when there's no loading dock or forklift. Its limits are physical, so plan around them:
- Weight: up to about 2,500 lbs per pallet (the range across carriers is roughly 1,300–3,500 lbs).
- Platform width: about 80–89 in — fits a standard 48″×40″ pallet.
- Platform depth: about 30–70 in; longer pieces may not fit.
If a single handling unit is over ~2,500 lbs or longer than ~96 in, it likely won't clear a liftgate. Split it across pallets, use a dock or forklift, or arrange a terminal pickup/delivery.
When do I need a liftgate?
Add a liftgate when there's no loading dock and no forklift at a stop, and for most residential deliveries. If a dock or forklift is available at both ends, you don't need one and pallets can be heavier. Tell us about both the pickup and delivery sites at booking so the right equipment is priced in.